Air India 171 cr@sh leaves AC Milan shocked, 10 minutes later in Milan, Rafael Leão’s family confirmed that…
Air India Flight 171 Crash Leaves AC Milan in Shock — 10 Minutes Later in Milan, Rafael Leão’s Family Confirms Heart-Wrenching News
Air India Flight 171 Crash Leaves AC Milan in Shock — 10 Minutes Later in Milan, Rafael Leão’s Family Confirms Heart-Wrenching News
In a deeply tragic turn of events that has reverberated across the footballing world, Air India Flight 171 was involved in a catastrophic crash earlier today, leading to a wave of horror, heartbreak, and disbelief — none more so than at Italian football club AC Milan, who were left utterly shaken by the unfolding news.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, reportedly led to a fiery explosion upon impact, with emergency services rushing to the scene. Initial reports suggest dozens of casualties, though official numbers are still being verified.
While the global community was still absorbing the magnitude of the disaster, devastating confirmation arrived just 10 minutes later at AC Milan’s headquarters, where the family of Portuguese star Rafael Leão delivered a personal and heartbreaking statement that immediately drew a veil of sorrow over the club.
💔 A Shocking Connection: Leão’s Family Caught in the Tragedy
Sources inside the club confirmed that Rafael Leão’s extended family was among the passengers onboard Air India Flight 171. Though early details remained unclear, a family spokesperson confirmed that a close relative of the 25-year-old winger — widely believed to be his maternal uncle and godfather, who had been visiting India for a business venture — was listed on the passenger manifest.
Just 10 minutes after the crash was first reported, the Leão family, overcome with emotion and fear, notified the club and authorities of the connection, prompting immediate support from AC Milan, the Portuguese consulate, and Serie A officials.
“We are in close contact with Rafael and his family,” an AC Milan spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We are offering Rafael the time, space, and resources he needs as this situation unfolds.”
🛫 What Happened on Flight AI171?
According to early aviation reports, Flight AI171 was en route to London with a planned stopover when it experienced a technical malfunction approximately 15 minutes after departure. Air traffic control reportedly lost contact shortly afterward, with eyewitnesses describing a “ball of fire” in the sky and debris raining over a forested area near the outskirts of the city.
Emergency services have since cordoned off the area, with rescue and recovery efforts ongoing. Indian authorities, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and international aviation investigators have launched a full-scale inquiry.
While speculation has swirled around the cause — including possibilities ranging from engine failure to structural compromise — officials have urged patience until black box data can be analyzed.
😢 A Cloud Over Milan: Club, Teammates, and Fans React
At Milanello, AC Milan’s training ground, the atmosphere turned somber as players, coaches, and staff gathered to process the news. Leão, who had been training ahead of the club’s upcoming preseason tour, left the grounds immediately upon hearing confirmation from his family.
Teammates were seen consoling one another, with club captain Davide Calabria and head coach Paulo Fonseca offering private statements of support. Club legend Paolo Maldini, now working in an advisory role, was seen entering Leão’s residence hours later.
“We are more than a team. We are family,” said defender Fikayo Tomori in a post on social media. “Rafa, whatever you need, we are here. Stay strong.”
Fans across Italy and Portugal have flooded social media with messages of support, using hashtags like #ForçaLeão and #ACMilanFamily to rally behind their beloved No. 10.
📉 What This Means for Leão’s Season — And Mental Health
Rafael Leão, one of the brightest stars in European football, has been instrumental in Milan’s resurgence in recent seasons, scoring vital goals, providing assists, and dazzling with his unique blend of power, flair, and vision.
However, this deeply personal tragedy may see him take an extended break from football, with the club making it clear that his well-being comes before footballing obligations.
Mental health experts have praised Milan’s rapid and empathetic response, noting that grief in the public eye is an incredibly complex experience for professional athletes.
“Loss of a loved one, especially in such sudden and traumatic fashion, is something that requires more than just time — it requires compassion, structure, and professional support,” said Dr. Chiara Gallo, a sports psychologist based in Rome.
🌍 Global Football Responds
Messages of condolence have poured in from across the global footballing community:
- Cristiano Ronaldo posted a message in Portuguese, saying: “Stay strong, irmão. The world stands with you.”
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued a statement offering condolences to Leão’s family and all those affected by the crash.
- Clubs such as Sporting CP, Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG lit their stadiums in candlelight tribute during evening hours.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Grief, Recovery, and Solidarity
As the full list of passengers is slowly verified and mourning spreads through both India and Europe, AC Milan have cancelled upcoming media engagements and may postpone their next preseason fixture out of respect for Leão and other affected families.
The club is expected to hold a moment of silence at San Siro once preseason begins, and there are reports that they may dedicate the coming season to the memory of the crash victims, should Leão return in time to participate.
But for now, the priority is clear: compassion over competition.
🕯 Final Thoughts: Football Takes a Back Seat
In a world where football often dominates headlines, today’s tragedy is a sobering reminder of life’s fragility.
The crash of Air India Flight 171 has not only robbed families of loved ones and left a scar on the aviation world, but it has shaken the heart of one of football’s brightest stars. For Rafael Leão, no goals, trophies, or contracts can numb this pain — only time, love, and solidarity can begin to heal it.
And for fans across the globe, the message is simple: Rafa, we are with you. Always.
